Press Release: From Four Corners Health Department
As we approach November and December, many people are excited about the holidays and the potential joy they offer. However, for those grieving the loss of someone they love, these days can be especially painful.
Let’s look at some ways we can take care of ourselves if we are grieving:
- Make a plan for what works for you during these holidays. Knowing that your grief affects you emotionally, mentally, and physically, be gentle with yourself. Enlist the support of others.
- Be careful not to isolate yourself. Take time for quiet and reflection, and balance that with the support offered by friends and family. If being together in person is difficult, use the telephone, Zoom, or Skype calls to stay in touch.
- Remove potential stressors. Decide what’s important to you over the holiday season. Give yourself permission to not do somethings you normally would do.
- Seek support during the holidays. Maybe it’s a support group offered in-person or online. See what local faith communities or grief organizations are offering.
To support others who are grieving:
- Connect with them and ask what would be helpful. Let them know you are thinking about them.
- Allow them to talk about their feelings and about the loved one who has died. Listen patiently to them.
- Offer to help with activities such as baking, cleaning, or decorating. These tasks can be overwhelming while dealing with grief.
For more info, visit: https://www.caringinfo.org/planning/grief-and-loss/grief-and-the-holidays/.
For those who are grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide, a special day of recognition is offered for this time of year. The Saturday before Thanksgiving is nationally known as Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. This is an event in which survivors of suicide loss come together to find connection, understanding, and hope through their shared experience.
Join with others from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at St. John Lutheran Church, 919 N. Columbia Avenue, in Seward. The event includes breakfast, a documentary and discussion, coffee, and connection with others. Come make a remembrance item, such as a Hope Jar, to take with you. Enter St. John through the East glass doors (main entrance).
To register, go to https://seward-nebraska.isosld.afsp.org/register/registration/form.
Hosted by Four Corners Health Department and Seward Co Suicide Prevention Coalition.
For questions and to learn more, call Four Corners at 402-362-2621 or 877-337-3573. Send email to info@fourcorners.ne.gov.
Visit the Four Corners website at https://fourcorners.ne.gov.
